Old Testament
Numbers 22:28
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God enables a donkey to speak to Balaam, a prophet who is on his way to curse the Israelites.
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Then the LORD gave the donkey the ability to speak. She said to Balaam, "What have I done to you that you've hit me 3 times?"
And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God enables a donkey to speak to Balaam, a prophet who is on his way to curse the Israelites. The donkey, having seen an angel of the Lord blocking their path, questions Balaam about why he has beaten her three times. This moment highlights the absurdity of Balaam's actions and serves as a divine intervention to redirect him. The talking donkey symbolizes how God can use unexpected means to communicate His will and to open the eyes of those who are blind to the truth. Balaam's failure to recognize the seriousness of the situation is a reminder of how people can be oblivious to God's messages, even when they are right in front of them. This event sets the stage for Balaam's eventual realization of his wrong path and the importance of obedience to God's commands.
Key themes
Related topics
Related Bible verses
How to apply Numbers 22:28 to your life
This verse teaches us to be attentive to God's guidance, which can come in unexpected forms. Just as Balaam was confronted by his donkey, we should remain open to the ways God may be trying to communicate with us, even through unlikely sources.
Curated for this public verse page. Numbers Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Why did God make the donkey speak in Numbers 22:28?
God enabled the donkey to speak as a form of divine intervention to confront Balaam about his actions. The donkey had seen an angel of the Lord blocking their path, which Balaam was unaware of. This moment serves to highlight Balaam's foolishness and lack of awareness, illustrating how God can use unexpected means to communicate His will and redirect those who stray from the right path.
What is the significance of the talking donkey in the Bible?
The talking donkey in Numbers 22:28 symbolizes God's ability to use any means to convey His message and to open the eyes of those who are blind to the truth. It emphasizes the theme of divine intervention and serves as a reminder that God can communicate through unexpected sources, urging us to be attentive to His guidance in our lives.
What lesson can we learn from Balaam's encounter with the donkey?
Balaam's encounter with the donkey teaches us the importance of being aware of God's guidance, which can come in unexpected forms. It reminds us to remain open to the messages God may send our way, even through unlikely sources, and to recognize the seriousness of our actions in light of His will.
How does this verse relate to obedience to God?
This verse highlights the necessity of obedience to God's commands. Balaam's initial disregard for the donkey's warnings and his own path illustrates how easily one can stray from God's will. The talking donkey serves as a wake-up call for Balaam, emphasizing that obedience requires awareness and responsiveness to God's guidance, even when it comes from unexpected places.
The Book of Numbers
Numbers 1: First Census and Tribal Leaders
The LORD speaks to Moses and Aaron in the wilderness of Sinai and orders a count of the men of Israel who are twenty years old and able to go to war. A leader from each tribe stands with them: Elizur for Reuben, Shelumiel for Simeon, Nahshon for Judah, Nethaneel for Issachar, Eliab for Zebulun, Elishama for Ephraim, Gamaliel for Manasseh, Abidan for Benjamin, Ahiezer for Dan, Pagiel for Asher, and Ahira for Naphtali. The totals are recorded by tribe, and the combined number of fighting men is six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.
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